Structural and Genetic Diversity of Entamoeba Gingivalis Trophozoites Isolated From Diseased and Healthy Periodontal Sites
Abstract The variability aspects of Entamoeba gingivalis concerning periodontal diseases are poorly studied. The reason is that many researchers rejected the notion that it can cause periodontal disease. The current study aimed to compare the morphological and genetic variability within trophozoites isolated from diseased and healthy periodontal sites. The practical investigation included a detailed microscopic analysis and gene scanning of the 18S-SSU rRNA by real-time PCR. All trophozoites isolated from diseased sites were significantly larger than those from healthy sites. Besides, they were clustered together with many other leuko-phagocytes. Gene scanning revealed diversity within the isolates of mutant trophozoites isolated from diseased sites. Four melting curves matched the H57 strain, while the remaining eight expressed the wild strain. Most of the isolates from healthy sites were wild-type, while only two isolates represented the H57 strain. However, the study confirmed morphological and genetic variability between different isolates, more in-depth molecular studies are required to investigate the role of this oral protozoan in the pathogenicity of periodontal affection. The study highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary diagnostic strategies by employing exported clinical investigators to reach truthful scientific outcomes concerning the association of certain microorganisms to particular diseases or disorders.